Zarah Juan comes full circle

FEMALE-DRIVEN Composed primarily of women, local bag artisans from Bulacan sewed and assembled the bags from the tarpaulins of SM Store. —Contributed photos

Zarah Juan had a fulfilling job as a flight attendant for Northwest Airlines, yet she dreamed of something more, one that is aligned with her growing passion to advocate for the environment.

Driven by her desire to chart another course and zeal for sustainability, she began selling eco bags in 2007 to friends and family who supported her decision to change paths.

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To solicit more sales, she posted an ad on an e-commerce site as a maker of reusable eco bags, at that time when they were not as ubiquitous as they are today. She was confident in her abilities even as a first-time entrepreneur who built her business on two sewing machines parked in the family garage.

As fate would have it, somebody from property firm SM Development Corp. saw that ad and invited her to their office to pitch for potential orders.

“That was a magical moment. Kilig and excited,” Juan tells the Inquirer, “They believed in me and trusted me with a big order.”

The bags were designed by social entrepreneur and Filipino designer Zarah Juan.

Pleased with what Juan delivered, SMDC then endorsed her to SM Store and Kultura.

That first order from SMDC led to more orders, collaborations and, most of all, a partnership that enabled her to eventually become one of the country’s most respected designers and social entrepreneurs.

“SMDC gave my very first big break supporting the eco bags I was making back in 2007,” shares Juan, “Everything started from that kind gesture.”

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Over the 12 years that she designed for SM Store and Kultura, Juan says she gained valuable experience and insights into good design and how to be successful at business.

“I am truly grateful for the journey I’ve been on and the lessons I’ve learned through divine alignment. My experience with SM has opened doors for me in ways I never expected. While I may not have the opportunity to attend design or business school, the insights and understanding I’ve gained from SM have been invaluable. They have provided me with an authentic path to explore both business and design deeply, allowing me to learn and grow in ways that resonate with my heart,” says Juan.

GREEN-MINDED Zarah Juan (third fromleft) with fellow advocates for the environment at the launch of The Tarp Project.

The Tarp Project

Thus she did not hesitate to grab the opportunity to work together with SM Store for The Tarp Project.

Under this project, used tarpaulins from the SM Store network are transformed into colorful tote bags and pouches whose value lies not so much in their being unique, practical and affordable shopping bags, but more so in their making a profound difference in the lives of so many Filipinos throughout the entire production process.The noble undertaking began with the collection of tarpaulins, which are then turned over to a group of 30 women deprived of liberty in Quezon City. They were tapped to clean some 34,000 square feet of used tarpaulins that are then cut to specific sizes.

These were then turned over to a group of 52 skilled women artisans from Bulacan who printed, sewed and assembled the used tarpaulins according to Juan’s designs.

In all, about a hundred women generated good income from the project.

Then to close the virtuous cycle, the proceeds from the latest collaboration between Juan and the SM Group will be donated to the youth and education programs of SM Foundation, providing another reason for shoppers to pick up the limited edition tote bags for P999 each and the pouches sold for P499.SM Green Finds x Zarah Juan bags are available at SM Store branches Makati and SM Aura, and select Kultura branches until the end of September.

Zarah Juan

Enduring appeal

Working with communities and showcasing their innate talent and potential never fails to inspire Juan, thus firing up her creativity.

For The Tarp Project line of pouches and tote bags, Juan says she sought to ensure that the colors and prints “transcend fleeting trends, aiming for enduring appeal and longevity, a reflection of the bag’s overarching purpose.”

SM Green Finds is a multiyear campaign that kicked off in 2022 to make it easier for shoppers to lead a greener lifestyle by choosing items with the Green Finds tag that are sustainably sourced, made from natural materials and support local materials.

This project is aligned with the SM Green Movement, the group-wide, multiyear sustainability campaign of the SM group focused on the environment, the SM Green Finds aims to make it easier for consumers to choose green.

Juan says The Tarp Project is particularly close to her heart as it represents her coming full circle in her journey.

“It all began with my passion for advocating for the environment, which blossomed into my entrepreneurial endeavors and ultimately led me to embrace my role as a designer. Now, I find myself returning to my roots, reflecting on how far I’ve come,” she says.

Juan adds: “I am truly grateful for this journey and the chance to make a positive impact on the world around me, with SM always by my side, supporting me every step of the way.”